Does your dog try to bolt the second a door cracks open? While it might seem harmless, rushing through doors can actually be dangerous. Dogs dash outside because they’re excited, curious, or simply used to moving freely. With a little practice, you can teach your dog to pause and wait for permission—keeping them safe and giving them a chance to practice self-control.
Why Door Manners Matter
Going outside (or even coming inside) is a huge reward for most dogs. If we allow them to rush through doors unchecked, we unintentionally reinforce pushy behavior. By teaching them that calm waiting makes the door open, we shift the focus: your dog learns to think before acting, rather than relying on you to hold them back.
Step 1: Choose a Permission Cue
Pick a word or phrase to signal when it’s okay to move through the doorway. Popular choices include “okay,” “free,” or “let’s go.” The key is that the door itself isn’t the “green light”—your cue is.
Step 2: Start with Management
In the beginning, practice with your dog on a leash. This helps prevent mistakes before your dog understands the game. Keep the leash loose (in a gentle “J” shape). Avoid pulling—let the door itself be the teacher.
Note: Your dog doesn’t have to sit. The rule is about waiting politely, not holding a specific position.
Step 3: Play the Door Game
- Slowly open the door.
- If your dog moves toward it → gently close the door.
- If your dog steps back or waits calmly → open it again.
- Only calm behavior keeps the door opening; rushing makes it close.
Your dog quickly learns waiting patiently keeps the opportunity alive; rushing makes it disappear.
Step 4: Add the Permission Cue
Once your dog can pause for a couple of seconds, say your cue and let them go through. The real reward is the chance to sniff, explore, or relax outside. Use the same routine when coming back inside.
Step 5: Build Difficulty Slowly
- Start small—open the door just a crack before giving permission.
- As your dog improves, open it wider and extend the wait time.
- If they make a mistake, calmly close the door and reset. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re part of learning.
Over time, your dog will understand that waiting is the fastest way to get what they want.
A Note on Crates and Cars
When practicing with crates or car doors, your dog may not be on a leash. In these cases, you’ll need quick timing to block a dash. If they slip through, calmly bring them back and repeat—no scolding necessary.
Final Thoughts
Teaching door manners isn’t about controlling your dog—it’s about helping them develop the skill to pause, think, and make safe choices. With consistency and kindness, most dogs pick this up quickly, and life at the door becomes much less stressful for everyone.
Quick Guide: Polite Door Manners
Goal
Teach your dog to wait calmly at doors until given permission.
What You’ll Need
- A leash (for early practice)
- A clear permission cue (e.g., okay, free, let’s go)
- Patience and consistency
Steps
- Set Up – Put your dog on leash near the door. Keep it loose.
- Start the Door Game – Open door slightly. Rushing = close it. Waiting = open it.
- Reward Calmness – Door only opens when your dog is calm.
- Add Cue – Say your cue, then let them through.
- Increase Challenge – Open wider, wait longer as they improve. Reset calmly if mistakes happen.
- Apply Everywhere – Practice with crate doors, car doors, and gates.
Tips for Success
- Keep sessions short and upbeat.
- Be consistent—everyone should use the same rules.
- Celebrate progress, even small wins.
👉 Remember: The best reward isn’t a treat—it’s the freedom to go outside calmly and safely.